It was my plan to expound on each commandment in individual posts. I did all kinds of research on the relationship between spirituality/religiosity and depression. I found evidence of happy homes solid in a foundation of high existential well-being. Then I reverted back to my insecurities...

"It's a nice list, but (and not to sound above you or anyone else) I think that if you truly did # 1, that there would be no need for the others. In believing in Him, putting your faith in Him, and trusting in Him. You would Find Purpose. You would make a difference. You would Love yourself. You would not blink. You would be patient... Again, not trying to sound snarky. I enjoy following."

J-Tony's comment was so right on. If I truly followed my 1st Commandment, God before all else, there would be no need for the others.

My response to J-Tony? Alas, I am only human.

Which is why I have written these commandments. These ten seemingly simple things are basic guiding principles to help me decide how to react to life. And while in an ideal world I would be able to fulfill the 1st all day everyday and have everything else just fall into place, we do not live in an ideal world and I need these commandments to help illuminate my way.

So today, after visiting some of you, I am going to write out my commandments. I'm going to hang them in my bathroom. I'm going to pin them to my visor in my car. And I'm going to write them in the front of my planner.

They will serve as a constant reminder of the behaviors I would like to define me; and hopefully in time, they will.

I have this amazing journal exercise i found that goes along with an item like this. I have it here in paper form, but will look for an e copy. It is an amazing way to define your values in life, so it becomes clear whether the decisions you make are in balance with your morals. (Fine, so my therapist assigned it to me and told me that. I haven't actually done it. But I am really planning too.)